Ideal nesting box size, bedding depth

[mistymeadowchicks]

In case anyone needs nesting box dimensions, my hens have offered some input. LOL! Evidently, the preferred size/ angle is that of a toilet tank box, turned skinny side down, at approx. 45 degrees.

' I found 6 eggs in one yesterday morning, and another 2 in the afternoon. (FYI, those boxes will be used in the garden this sping. I had them stored in the garage until I broke them down. That became last night's project for obvious reasons.) Also, in lieu of an empty cardboard box, the preferred DEPTH for bedding is apparently 5 FEET with a major curve--or a 5 x 6 round hay bale turned on it's side. Found 22 eggs last week in their private nest in the hay shed.

' which the hens AND the dogs got scrambled for brunch!

My free ranging hens have always been good girls, used the nesting boxes, & gifted 11-16 eggs daily from 18 hens--for months. Starting 2 weeks ago, eggs dropped to 7 & 8 a day. Dumb newbie me, I just figured it was shorter days, colder temps and snow, topped off by a recent visit/ attach from a hawk that had upset their apple cart. Evidently, I built their nesting boxes way too big, & never use enough bedding! This is a nice explanation for the egg decrease though--they're back to 15- 16 eggs a day--if I can just find them!

'

I may also change the hay in the boxes (which I usually do weekly) --just in case they don't like that particular bale? '

' Silly, silly sweet girls!

 

[jenjscott]

Mine started laying somewhere else and then I found a snake visiting their nest box!

 

[Redley]

I've looked all over the site for nesting box ideas. All the people in this forum as so ingenious! I'm going to build the typical built wooden box, 2 boxes next to each other, 2 high.
They will be 18 inches off the ground.
I understand that I will only need about 1 box per 4 hens (except if some are going broody).
I will have buff orpingtons, rhode island reds, and barred rocks.
I'm trying to fit the boxes by my entry way, they will be 2 next to each other. Can the boxes be 10 inches wide or do they have to be 12 inches wide?
Your thoughts???

 

[rarely bored]

I will have buff orpingtons, rhode island reds, and barred rocks.
I'm trying to fit the boxes by my entry way, they will be 2 next to each other. Can the boxes be 10 inches wide or do they have to be 12 inches wide?
Your thoughts???

I have those breeds of birds, and my boxes are at least 15 inches wide... but the barred rocks and rhode island has no qualms sitting in 10 inch wide cardboard box to lay.

lol, glad to help!

Isn't it fun to play easter egg hunts in the middle of winter?? Adds zest to the day!​

 

[Redley]

Quote:
I have those breeds of birds, and my boxes are at least 15 inches wide... but the barred rocks and rhode island has no qualms sitting in 10 inch wide cardboard box to lay.

lol, glad to help!

Isn't it fun to play easter egg hunts in the middle of winter?? Adds zest to the day!

Do you think the bigger buff orps need that full 12 inches?
I'm sure that the card board box fit the RIR and BR just fine, can only imagine them looking up at you saying "what...what's the problem?"

(can't wait for my winter easter egg hunting next year